Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1887-02-04
POPPED IN HIS SLEEP.
a Georgia Sonambulist Proposes to Young
Lady While Asleep.

Georgia Sonambulist Proposes to a Young
Lady While Asleep.
DR.. Hardin, as his name shall be for
this occasion (now dead), had but lately
arrived In Americus, Ga, from Savannah
says the Atlanta Constitution. Being a
gentleman of polished address he soon
found admission into the best circles of
society, and at once became indispensable
at all social gatherings. With tho ladies
he was prime favorite. With one in
particular he formed a close friendship,
for it developed that he had fought in the
trenches with her brother, and it was in
to his arms that the wounded man fell
when he staggered by the bullet which
caused his death.
One day Miss Julia, with her widowed
mother, went out ON that most important
duty in woman's life-the purchase of
bridal trosseau. Society had pretty we'll
guessed the course of affairs. Congratu-
lations poured in upon the young lady,
all of which she accepted with becoming
modesty. The groom expectant, how
ever, acted mysteriously. He never made
reference to the happy affair with which
his name was linked. When a friend con-
graduated him he looked puzzled, but of
Thus weeks passed, until the date pop
ularly supposed to have been set for the
nuptials had gone by. The doctor NOV
ed about the city with his usual uncon-
Germ. The yoEng lady held her grief
and disappointment sacred, and ventur-
ed no word of censure or com plant. In
fact the mystery became so great that
the question as to whether the couple had
ever been engaged or not became one of
violent local agitation.
The soldier friends of the young lady's
brother, feeling that she was without
male protection, determined that she
should not be imposed upon. They met,
to the number of a dozen, late one even
ing by the cotton ware of Harold d. John
son, and agreed to call on the doctor and
get an explanation. They reached HIS
roo m and were told that he had gone out
not five minutes ago for a walk and would
not be back until after midnight. In
order to fill in the time until that hour,
the party went to Miss Julia's house to
consult her about the matter. They were
surprised to find the doctor there while
near him sat the young lady in tears.
One of the men madcened by the doc
tors icy indifference, rushed over to him,
and grasping him by the shoulder shook
him violently. The doctor yawned deeply.
He arose ana rubbed his eyes, and look
ing around hiN in the utmost bewilder-
ment, asked:
How came / here? This is so very
strange. l went to bed in my room at 8
O'Clock, and thought until this moment
that l was still there"
He was somnambulist.
In the talk which followed the whole
matter was made plain. After having
visited Miss Julia twice, he began coming
at 3 o'clock, when he was not expected.
His manner was somewhat stiff and
formal, bat he pressed his suit with per
severence. He would never make the re-
motest reference to any other subject.
He never thought of leaving until a few
minutes before l in the morning. His
Late hour In coming, his late hour in
leaving always most circumspect, il was
not thought of after the first few nights
inns he proposed, was accepted, had the
date appointed, and passed it over. In
his waking hours he had no recollection
whatever of the events of the night be-
fore
After the matter had been thus made
plain, the doctor said
Now, Miss Julia, since all this has
transpired in my sleep, may az well tell
you that your image has been impressed
upon my heart all along. VIII you CON
sent again TO my proposal"
1t was too plain that no opposition ex-
listed there Soon the license was pro-
cured, the minister called in and the hap
py pair were made one.
But one chapter more remains TO be
told When the yelIow-ferer broke ont in
Savannah with such viruience about ten
years ago. DR.. Hardin was one of the
most Jealous in waiting upon the sick in
that city He never refused the call of
duty At last he. too, succumbad TO the
dread destroyer, and he now sleeps with
the silent majority.